Overview

In our traditional 12-Week Treatment Program, patients undergo a standardized 12-session cognitive-behavioral treatment protocol that occurs once weekly over a 12-week period.  This program is designed for the following disorders:

    » Panic Disorder

    » Agoraphobia

    » Specific Phobias

    » Generalized Anxiety

    » Social Phobia

    » Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

    » Depression

<Top>

Treatment Schedule

It is possible to adapt the 12-week protocol based on the individual need of the patient.  For instance, patients might do several 2-hour sessions and spend only 10 weeks in treatment.  This is sometimes necessary when extended time periods are needed for exposure exercises.  Some therapy sessions might be spent outside of the office if it is necessary for the treatment.

Patients schedule their first treatment session with a licensed psychologist any time during business hours between Monday and Friday.  Between each session, patients are assigned activities to complete before the next session, such as practicing breathing retraining, monitoring their thoughts, and conducting exposure activities. 

The philosophy of the Florida Anxiety Clinic is that most therapy occurs outside of the session when the therapist is not present.  The more time patients spend practicing the skills learned in session, the faster their progress will be. 

The treatment begins with psychoeducation and moves quickly into the other four components of treatment (e.g., breathing retraining, cognitive restructuring, exposure, lifestyle management, and response prevention).  For a review of these treatment components, please read the About Treatment section.

 On the last few sessions, the treatment focuses on consolidation of the skills and relapse prevention.  

Patients end the treatment with a written plan that will help them maintain the treatment gains made, along with scheduled follow-up phone-calls and emails. 

Like all of our treatment protocols, we tailor the 12-Week Treatment program to fit each patient's needs.

<Top>

Qualifications for Participation

This treatment program is not for everyone; it is designed for individuals who prefer traditional therapy approach that takes place weekly over 12 consecutive weeks.  To be admitted into the 12-Week Treatment Program, patients must meet the following criteria:

» Patients must meet  the diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder.  

» The anxiety disorder must be the principle problem, not depression, substance abuse, or other psychiatric condition. 

» Patients must be willing to experience high anxiety, and even possible panic attacks, during the course of treatment.

» Patients must be cleared medically by their physician to ensure that the panic does not have a medical origin and that they are medically stable enough to participate in the program.   

» Patients must also be willing to stay in the area during the course of treatment and to cover all travel, housing, and other expenses during the treatment period. 

Research on the treatment of panic disorder suggests that people who are taking medication for panic disorder while undergoing treatment have a greater chance of relapse than people not taking medication.  For this reason, we recommend that patients not be taking medications for Panic Disorder while undergoing treatment.  Do not, however, discontinue your medications without first consulting your physician and us. 

In particular, taking benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax) on an as-needed basis (i.e., PRN) is not recommended during treatment. Exceptions to this would be the use of anti-depressant medication.  If you are on this type of medication and are still experiencing anxiety and panic, then discontinuation of the medication would not be necessary.  We evaluate this medication criterion on a case-by-case basis.

<Top>

Cost of the Program

The program costs $175 per 50-minute session, resulting in a total cost of  $2,100 at the end of the three months.  Part of the cost for the 12-Week Program may be covered by your insurance, depending on your mental health care coverage.  Our staff can call your insurance for you and determine your coverage.  Payment for the program may be made using any major credit or bank card, cash, or money order.  Sliding scale fees are available in some cases. 

In accordance with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee policy, you are eligible for a full refund up until the end of the first session of treatment.  After this period, no refunds are provided.  Should unseen circumstances cause patients to have to end treatment prematurely, treatment can be rescheduled for a later date.   

Patients are responsible for all costs related to traveling to, and staying near, the office.  These costs include transportation, lodging, and meals.  The staff at the Florida Anxiety Clinic can help you arrange your trip by providing you with driving directions, a local map, and a list of nearby hotels and eateries. 

Patients are also responsible for all costs related to any therapy conducted out of the office. This includes, but is not limited to, transportation, meals, admission fees, and rental fees.  if the psychologist accompanies the patient on these out-of-office therapy sessions, he or she is responsible for paying the psychologist's expenses as well. 

<Top>

Disclaimer

This program is intense and requires a significant investment of time and money.  Please evaluate it carefully before you enroll to determine if it fits your needs.  We are happy to answer any questions or provide any information you need to make your decision.

Please be aware that, even if you want to participate in the program, we might not admit you into the program if our experts believe it is not appropriate for you.

<Top>